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• This course is organized around six fundamental concepts of political philosophy: “Authority,” “Rights,” “Equality,” “Justice,” “Liberty,” and “Democracy.” In the case of each of these concepts, three different approaches are used.

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• The primary approach is a conceptual analysis of the meaning and use of the term in its contextual application in political philosophy. Each of these concepts has been “contested,” so there is a wide range of disagreement about the correct interpretation of each of these terms.

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• Secondary approach is an explication of the text in which the concept has been used and which represents, accordingly, the “locus classicus” of the concept in the history of political thought.

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• Third approach involves connecting the concept which has been analyzed and developed in the context of its classical text to the ideological or political dispute relative to this concept that had been a feature of modern or recent political practice.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

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• The readings are dense and difficult. It will probably take longer than you expect to read them once, and it will probably be necessary to re-read most pieces at least once in order to come to an adequate understanding of the material.

REQUIREMENTS

• Quizzes
• Essay Papers (short or long)
• Participation in class

INTEGRITY

• Doing your own work is part of what it means to have respect for me, for your fellow students, and for yourself.